U.S. patent application number 09/986283 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-09 for remote control system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Yamatake Corporation. Invention is credited to Nishi, Yosuke.
Application Number | 20020055977 09/986283 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26603628 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020055977 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nishi, Yosuke |
May 9, 2002 |
Remote control system
Abstract
A remote control system is provided to control remotely
electronic equipment connected via a firewall to an external
network. The remote control system have command information memory
for storing command information transmitted from a user terminal
via the external network. Further, command information transmission
means is provided to receive a command fetch request transmitted
from the electronic equipment via the external network and to read
out command information corresponding to that request from the
command information memory, and to transmit the command information
via the external network to the electronic equipment as a response
to that command fetch request.
Inventors: |
Nishi, Yosuke; (Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON SPIVAK MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT PC
FOURTH FLOOR
1755 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
Yamatake Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
26603628 |
Appl. No.: |
09/986283 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
709/208 ;
709/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 12/2818 20130101;
H04L 12/2803 20130101; H04L 2012/2849 20130101; H04L 2012/285
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/208 ;
709/225 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 9, 2000 |
JP |
2000-341270 |
Oct 18, 2001 |
JP |
2001-320121 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A remote control system for controlling remotely electronic
equipment connected via a firewall to an external network,
comprising: command information memory for storing command
information transmitted from a user terminal via said external
network; and command information transmission means for receiving a
command fetch request transmitted from said electronic equipment
via said external network, reading out command information
corresponding to that request from said command information memory,
and transmitting said command information via said external network
to said electronic equipment as a response to that command fetch
request.
2. A remote control system for controlling remotely electronic
equipment connected via a firewall to an external network,
comprising: wait state setting means for receiving a command fetch
request from said electronic equipment via said external network,
and setting a wait state for that command information; and command
information transmission means for receiving command information
transmitted from a user terminal via said external network, and
transmitting that command information to said electronic equipment
as a response to said command fetch request.
3. The remote control system according to claim 1 or 2, further
having: state information memory for receiving and storing state
information transmitted from said electronic equipment via said
external network; and state information transmission means for
transmitting state information stored in said state information
memory to said user terminal.
4. The remote control system according to claim 1 or 2, further
having: state information memory means for receiving and storing
state information transmitted from said electronic equipment via
said external network; state information analysis means for
analyzing state information stored in said state information memory
means; and analysis results transmission means for transmitting
analysis results from said state information analysis means to said
user terminal.
5. The remote control system according to claim 4, wherein: said
analysis results transmission means transmits said analysis results
to said user terminal by electronic mail; and said command
information transmission means extracts command information from
electronic mail transmitted from said user terminal as reply to
electronic mail transmitting said analysis results, and transmits
that command information to said electronic equipment.
6. The remote control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
said command information transmission means, in cases where
information pertaining to command execution time period for said
electronic equipment is contained in command information received
from said user terminal, transmit that command information at a
time corresponding to that command execution time period when that
electronic equipment has no time control function.
7. The remote control system according to claim 1 or 2, further
comprising means for receiving command execution results
information transmitted from said electronic equipment via said
external network, and transmitting that information to said user
terminal.
8. A remote control method for controlling remotely electronic
equipment connected via a firewall to an external network,
comprising the steps of: storing command information transmitted
from a user terminal via said external network; receiving a command
fetch request transmitted from said electronic equipment via said
external network; and reading out command information corresponding
to that request and transmitting said information via said external
network to said electronic equipment as a response to that command
fetch request.
9. A remote control method for controlling remotely electronic
equipment connected via a firewall to an external network,
comprising the steps of: receiving a command fetch request from
said electronic equipment via said external network, and setting a
wait state for that command information; and receiving command
information transmitted from a user terminal via said external
network, and transmitting that command information to said
electronic equipment as a response to said command fetch
request.
10. The remote control method according to claim 8 or 9, further
comprising the step of receiving command execution results
information transmitted from said electronic equipment via said
external network, and transmitting that information to said user
terminal.
11. A remote control program product for controlling remotely
electronic equipment connected via a firewall to an external
network, wherein: said remote control program product causes a
computer to perform the steps of: storing command information
transmitted from a user terminal via said external network;
receiving a command fetch request transmitted from said electronic
equipment via said external network; and reading out command
information corresponding to that request and transmitting said
information via said external network to said electronic equipment
as a response to that command fetch request.
12. A remote control program product for controlling remotely
electronic equipment connected via a firewall to an external
network, wherein: said remote control program products causes a
computer to perform the steps of: receiving a command fetch request
from said electronic equipment via said external network, and
setting a wait state for that command information; and receiving
command information transmitted from a user terminal via said
external network, and transmitting that command information to said
electronic equipment as a response to said command fetch
request.
13. The remote control program product according to claim 11 or 12,
further comprising the step of receiving command execution results
information transmitted from said electronic equipment via said
external network, and transmitting that information to said user
terminal.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a remote control system for
remotely controlling electronic equipment, and more particularly to
a remote control system for remotely controlling electronic
equipment connected through a firewall to an external network.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Technology is recently being proposed wherewith, in the
ordinary home, common electronic equipment such as lights,
television receivers (TVs), video decks, air conditioners (air
conditioning equipment), personal computers (PCs), motorized
curtains, security equipment, hot water supply systems and audio
products are connected in a network by communication lines, and
such operations as turning switches off that one has forgotten to
turn off, turning on the air conditioner prior to returning home,
or heating the bath water, are performed by remote control from the
work place or other location outside the home. Technology is also
being proposed wherewith, in like manner, the lighting of
common-use space in collective dwellings and such electronic
equipment as various kinds of security equipment therein are
connected in a network by communication lines and remotely
controlled.
[0005] The internet is a conceivable network for use in effecting
remote control. The internet is outstanding in that it is a global
network and in that therewith indeterminate opposite parties can be
communicated with throughout the world, but poses security problems
because it is an open network. For that reason, when building an
internal network that is to be connected to the internet, a
firewall (FW) is commonly placed between the internet and the
internal network.
[0006] A firewall has functions for rejecting the passage of
commands from the outside directed to the internal network. For
that reason, ordinarily, the various kinds of electronic equipment
connected in the internal network cannot be controlled from the
outside.
[0007] The documents wherein such conventional technology is
disclosed includes Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
2000-172597. In that document, technology is disclosed wherewith a
communication interface device is provided for controlling and
monitoring process control equipment connected to the internet, by
a personal computer connected through a firewall to an internal
network.
[0008] Thus the conventional technology suffers from the following
problems.
[0009] (1) Depending on the provider, it can be altogether
impossible to control electronic equipment on the internal network
because no requests from an external network such as the internet
are allowed to pass to the internal network.
[0010] (2) Depending on the provider, there are cases where
requests from an external network such as the internet are allowed
to pass to the internal network without limitation. In such cases,
security problems arise in the internal network, and it is
necessary to put in place some kind of firewall. With an ordinary
firewall, settings are made so that, for example, only signals that
follow the HTTP protocol can pass, and settings are made so that
only responses to requests from the internal network are allowed to
pass.
[0011] (3) Specialized knowledge is necessary in making firewall
settings. Setting changes cannot be made simply by just anyone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a remote control system wherewith electronic
equipment connected to an external network such as the internet
through a firewall can be easily subjected to remote control.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
remote control system in which command information from the user
can be transmitted promptly to the electronic equipment.
[0014] It is further object of the present invention to provide a
remote control system in which user can promptly receive the
execution result at the electronic equipment.
[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, for
achieving the above-mentioned objects, there is provided a remote
control system for controlling remotely electronic equipment
connected via a firewall to an external network comprising command
information memory for storing command information transmitted from
a user terminal via the external network and command information
transmission means for receiving a command fetch request
transmitted from the electronic equipment via the external network,
reading out command information corresponding to that request from
the command information memory, and transmitting the command
information via the external network to the electronic equipment as
a response to that command fetch request.
[0016] Consequently, electronic equipment connected to an external
network such as the internet through a firewall can be easily
subjected to remote control.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a remote control system for controlling remotely
electronic equipment connected via a firewall to an external
network which comprises wait state setting means for receiving a
command fetch request from the electronic equipment via the
external network, and setting a wait state for that command
information and command information transmission means for
receiving command information transmitted from a user terminal via
the external network, and transmitting that command information to
the electronic equipment as a response to the command fetch
request.
[0018] Consequently, command information from the user can be
transmitted promptly to the electronic equipment since the command
fetch request is set in the wait state.
[0019] According to further aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a remote control system having state information memory
for receiving and storing state information transmitted from the
electronic equipment via the external network and state information
transmission means for transmitting state information stored in the
state information memory to the user terminal.
[0020] Accordingly, the user easily notice the state of the
electronic equipment.
[0021] The above and further objects and novel features of the
invention will more fully appear from the following detailed
description when the same is read in connection with the
accompanying drawings. It is to be expressly understood, however,
that the drawings are for purpose of illustration only and are not
intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a remote control
system according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a remote control server
according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows a configuration of a firewall according to the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen display in a remote
control system according to the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows examples of information for authentication.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of process of a
remote control system according to the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows examples of state information according to the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows a example of screen display in a remote control
system according to the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 9 shows a example of command information according to
the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of process of a
remote control system according to the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of process of a
remote control system according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of process of a
remote control system according to the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of process of a
remote control system according to the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of process of a
remote control system according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of process of a
remote control system according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described in detail referring to the accompanying drawings.
[0038] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remote control system
relating to the present invention. In this figure, reference
numeral 1 is a remote control server, connected to the internet 6.
This remote control server 1 is maintained by an administrator.
Reference numeral 2 indicates electronic equipment, there being a
plurality of pieces of electronic equipment 21 to 2n mutually
connected by an internal network such as a LAN (local area
network). Such electronic equipment 2 includes, for example,
electronic equipment in the home or in the common-use space of a
collective dwelling, such as lights, television receivers, video
decks, air conditioners, personal computers (PCs), motorized
curtains, hot water supply systems, and audio products, and also
includes various kinds of security sensors. The electronic
equipment 2 need not necessarily be plural in number, and may be
singular. In the latter case, the internal network 7 becomes
unnecessary. Reference numeral 3 is a personal computer connected
to the internal network 7 to which the electronic equipment 2 is
connected. This PC 3 plays such functional roles as fetching state
information from the various electronic equipment 2 and
transmitting such to the remote control server 1, and receiving
requested information for the various electronic equipment 2 from
the remote control server 1 and transmitting such to the various
electronic equipment 2. This PC 3, in the present invention, plays
an auxiliary role. Therefore, there are instances where no mention
of the PC 3 is made in the following description, even in cases
where information is sent back and forth between the remote control
server 1 and the electronic equipment 2 via that PC 3. Furthermore,
when the various pieces of electronic equipment 2 communicate with
the remote control server 1, this PC 3 is not a mandatory
configuration.
[0039] Reference numeral 4 is a firewall (FW). The firewall employs
various schemes in prohibiting the passage of commands from the
outside to the internal network. In the firewall 4 in this
embodiment aspect, in particular, however, settings are made so
that requests transmitted to the internet 6 from the electronic
equipment 2 on the internal network 7, and responses to those
requests, are passed, while the passage of all other signals is
restricted. Reference numeral 5 indicates such web terminals as a
portable telephone 51 (a cellular phone, a mobile phone) and
notebook PC 52 capable of being connected to the internet 6. These
terminals have browsers loaded in them and are used by users.
[0040] FIG. 2 represents the detailed configuration of the remote
control server 1. The remote control server 1 comprises at least a
controller 11, memory 12, data collection means 13, and command
transmission means 14. The controller 11 is a central processing
unit (CPU), for example, which performs processing based on various
types of programs (not shown) stored in the memory 12 or the like.
The memory 12 has, in addition to those various types of programs,
a subscriber home database 121, electronic equipment state database
122, and command database 123. In the subscriber home database 121
are stored user information and information on the electronic
equipment 2 that are controlled using a remote control system
relating to the present invention, in a condition such that the
reading and writing thereof are possible. In the electronic
equipment state database 122 are stored state information on the
various pieces of electronic equipment 2, in a condition such that
the reading and writing thereof are possible. In the command
database 123 are stored command information directed toward the
electronic equipment 2, transmitted from the web terminals 5 or the
like, in a condition such that the reading and writing thereof are
possible.
[0041] The data collection means 13 has functions for collecting
the data stored in the various databases 121, 122, and 123 in the
memory 12. The command transmission means 14 has functions for
reading out command information from the command database 123 and
transmitting such to the electronic equipment 2.
[0042] In FIG. 3 is represented an example configuration of the
firewall 4. The firewall 4 in this embodiment aspect is connected
to the internet 6 by a network interface 42, and is connected to
the internal network 7 to which the electronic equipment 2 is
connected by a network interface 43. Then, by a filtering unit 41,
requests transmitted from the electronic equipment 2 and responses
thereto, and only such requests and responses, are passed, while
the passage of other signals is restricted.
[0043] For a user to utilize a remote control system relating to
the present invention, it is necessary for that user to effect a
user registration beforehand. User registration is described with
reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. FIG. 4 shows a registration screen
for user registration. The web data relating to this registration
screen is either stored in a database (not shown) in the remote
control server 1, or stored on a separate web server. When a user
accesses the registration screen using his or her own terminal 3 or
5, for example, web data relating to that registration screen are
transmitted to the terminal 3 or 5 via the internet 6. The terminal
3 or 5 receives those web data, and displays that registration
screen on that display by the browser.
[0044] In the example registration screen shown in FIG. 4, messages
are displayed which prompt the user to enter the user's address,
name, operating users, control subjects, and payment method. Of
those, in the box for operating users are entered the names of
users who operate the electronic equipment 2 using the external web
terminal 5. The electronic mail addresses of these users are also
entered on a separate screen. In the box for control subjects, the
electronic equipment 2 managed with the use of this remote control
server 1 is registered. A check mark is affixed to the electronic
equipment 2 which one wishes to register. It is also possible, at
the point in time when the user registration is being made, to
register definitions of the command information and state
information for the various pieces of electronic equipment 2, such
as the kind of command information by which the electronic
equipment 2 that one wishes to control will operate, or what kind
of meaning the state information output is to have. For defining
the command information and the state information for the various
electronic equipment 2, it is possible for the PC 3 to communicate
with the various pieces of electronic equipment 2, obtain such
information from the various pieces of electronic equipment 2, and
transmit that information to that remote control server 1.
Provision may also be made so that individual pieces of the
electronic equipment 2 transmit directly to the remote control
server 1. After one has finished making entries, in the example
registration screen shown in FIG. 4, when the registration button
is clicked on, the input information is transmitted via the
internet 6 to the remote control server 1.
[0045] The remote control server 1 receives that input information
and stores it in the subscriber home database 121 in the memory 12.
The remote control server 1 also notifies the user making the
entries of a user ID, password, and the device numbers of the
pieces of electronic equipment 2 that are to be control subjects.
That notification may be made by electronic mail or by ordinary
mail. When notification is made by electronic mail, for security
reasons, it is encrypted and then transmitted. When notification is
sent by mail, the various information is printed and then mailed
based on the instructions of the operator of the remote control
server 1.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows examples of such information, that is, of a
user ID, password, and control subject equipment information. As
indicated in the figure, in the user ID there are both an ID ("1"
in this example) that is assigned for each subscribing home, and
IDs ("1001," "1002," and "1003" in this example) assigned for each
operating user. The user enters this user ID and password when
verifying state information on the electronic equipment 2 or
issuing commands or the like using the web terminal 5. There are
also cases where the device number will be entered when confirming
state information of specific electronic equipment 2 and making
commands.
[0047] The processing performed in the remote control system
relating to the present invention is described next. With the
remote control system relating to the present invention, settings
can be altered so that various kinds of processing can be
performed. Each of these processes is described below in embodiment
aspects 1 to 6 of the invention.
[0048] Embodiment Aspect 1 of the Invention
[0049] The processing performed in the remote control system
relating to this embodiment aspect 1 is described with reference to
the flowchart given in FIG. 6.
[0050] First, from the electronic equipment 2, with predetermined
timing, electronic equipment 2 state information and a command
fetch request are passed through the firewall 4 via the internal
network 7, to the remote control server 1 via the internet 6
(S601). The timing of the transmission of these pieces of
information is set in a prescribed program in the electronic
equipment 2 or in the PC 3 controlling the electronic equipment 2.
The remote control server 1 stores the state information in a
prescribed area in the electronic equipment state database 122 by
the controller 11 and the data collection means 13 (S602). An
example of the information stored in the electronic equipment state
database 122 is represented in FIG. 7. In this example, The
transmission of state information from the electronic equipment 2
is performed every 2 minutes. For device 1, device 2, and device n,
moreover, on-off information is transmitted as state information.
For device 3, quantitative information indicating the amount of
city water used, for example, is transmitted. This state
information contains all kinds of information other than such
on-off information and quantitative information, according to the
type of electronic equipment 2, such as video information captured
by a monitoring camera or information indicating numerically the
extent to which an motorized curtain is closed.
[0051] Let us return to the flowchart in FIG. 6. The remote control
server 1, after the state information has been stored (S602),
follows the command fetch request, and the command transmission
means 14 retrieves command information for that user from the
command database 123 (S603). Let it be assumed that, in this
example, there was no command information for that user. In that
case, a signal including information indicating that there is no
command information is transmitted via the internet 6 or the like
to the electronic equipment 2 (S604). At that time, the signal
containing that information is a. response to the signal
transmitted by step S601, wherefore the firewall 4 can be passed
through.
[0052] Let it be assumed that, after that, the user wished to
operate the electronic equipment 2 in his or her home. First, using
the web terminal 5, the user accesses a homepage on this remote
control system (S605). The remote control server 1, in response to
that access request, reads out HTML data for the designated
homepage from the memory 12, and transmits those data to the web
terminal 5 via the internet 6 (S606). The web terminal 5 displays
that homepage on that display by the browser. The user operates the
web terminal 5, and enters and transmits the user ID and password
(S607). Authentication information relating to that user ID and
password is transmitted to the remote control server 1 via the
internet 6. The remote control server 1 receives that
authentication information, launches an authentication program, and
performs authentication processing (S608). More specifically,
information relating to the user ID and information relating to the
password stored in the subscriber home database 121 in the memory
12 are referenced, and a decision is made as to whether or not the
password is appropriate to the received user ID.
[0053] When it has been judged, as a result of the authentication
process, that the password is appropriate to the received user ID,
monitor page data are transmitted to the web terminal 5 (S609). The
web terminal 5 receives those monitor page data and displays them
on the display.
[0054] An example screen display of the monitor page data is shown
in FIG. 8. In this screen example, five types of electronic
equipment 2 are displayed, namely lights, motorized curtain, hot
water supply system, air conditioner, and video deck. The state of
each is displayed graphically. The lighting is displayed as being
turned on, for example, and the condition of the motorized curtain
being open is displayed. Below the display of each type of
electronic equipment 2, buttons for entering command information
are displayed. For the lights, for example, a button labeled "on"
and a button labeled "off" are displayed. When the user clicks on
the button labeled "off," it is deemed that a selection has been
made to turn the lights off, and a display to that effect is made.
The display to that effect may be made in various ways, such, for
example, as by changing the graphic showing the lights turned on to
one showing the lights turned off, or by changing the display of
the buttons themselves. In the example shown in FIG. 8, moreover,
the states are indicated by displaying graphics of the electronic
equipment 2, but that poses no limitation, and the display may be
made by text or numbers only. For an internet-capable portable
telephone, in particular, it is preferable that the display be made
by text and numbers only. In this example, furthermore, provision
has been made to display the state information and input command
information on a single page, but that poses no limitation, and
provision may be made so that inputs are made on a separate page.
In this example, furthermore, the various pieces of electronic
equipment are displayed graphically, but that poses no limitation,
and provision may be made so that the display is made by device
numbers alone. When the user inputs a command in this manner, and
clicks on the transmission button, the command information is
transmitted from the web terminal 5 to the remote control server 1
(S610).
[0055] The remote control server 1 receives the command information
and stores it in memory area assigned to that user in the command
database 123 (S611). In FIG. 9 is represented an example of command
information stored in the memory area of a specific user in the
command database 123. In this example, command information for a
user having the user ID "1" is represented, and the user has issued
a command to turn on the electronic equipment 2 having the device
number 1 at 17:45. A command has also been made to turn off the
electronic equipment 2 having the device number 2 at 12:00, and a
command has been made to turn off the electronic equipment 2 having
the device number 3 at 19:00.
[0056] Here, in the electronic equipment 2, depending on the type
thereof, there is equipment which has a built-in timer function and
there is equipment which does not. If the equipment has a built-in
timer function, even if the command is that execution should be
effected t hours later, for example, it is only necessary to
transmit command information from the remote control server 1 to
that electronic equipment 2 beforehand, so that the command will be
executed t hours later at the electronic equipment 2 end. With
equipment having no built-in timer function, on the other hand, in
such a case, that electronic equipment 2 will go ahead and execute
the command as soon as the command information is received, and the
command cannot be executed t hours later. Thereupon, in this
example, provision is made so that, for the electronic equipment 2
having the device number 1 and the electronic equipment 2 having
the device number 2, the command information is not transmitted to
that electronic equipment 2 until the time for executing the
command is reached, but the command information is transmitted to
each of those pieces of electronic equipment 2 when the execution
time is reached. Thus it becomes possible to effect time control
also on electronic equipment 2 having no timer function. In the
example represented in FIG. 9, no command information has been
transmitted to the electronic equipment 2 having the device numbers
1 and 2 for which the transmission time has not yet arrived,
wherefore data are stored to the effect that the command condition
(status) is "not transmitted yet." For the electronic equipment 2
having the device number 3 for which data indicating "immediately"
are stored for the transmission time, on the other hand, the
command information is transmitted immediately, wherefore data to
the effect that the command condition (status) is "transmitted" are
stored.
[0057] Information on whether or not the individual pieces of
electronic equipment 21 to 2n have a timer function is registered
beforehand. Accordingly, when command information simply
designating a time is sent in from the web terminal 5, the
registration data are verified, and a decision is made as to
whether the electronic equipment 2 subject to that command has a
timer function or not. Provision is made so that, when it has been
determined that the equipment does have a timer function, the
command is transmitted immediately, and so that, when it has been
determined that the equipment does not have a timer function, the
command is not transmitted immediately but is rather transmitted at
the designated time.
[0058] After that, state information on commands regularly executed
by the electronic equipment 2 and a command fetch request are
transmitted to the remote control server 1 (S612). At the remote
control server 1, in the same manner as in steps S602 and S603, the
received state information is stored in the electronic equipment
state database 122 (S613), and command information retrieval is
performed from the command database 123 (S614). At that time, in
the command database 123, the command information stored in step
S611 is present. Therefore, that command information is read out
and transmitted from the remote control server 1 to the electronic
equipment 2 (S615). Because this command information transmission
is performed as a response to a command fetch request (S612), it
can pass through the firewall 4. At the remote control server 1,
when transmission of the command information is finished, data on
the condition (status) of the command in the command database 123
are rewritten to data indicating "transmitted" (S616). By having
that done, redundant transmissions can be prevented. At the
electronic equipment 2, that command information is received and
the command is executed (S617). In a case where the command to the
lights is an OFF command, for example, control is effected so that
the lights turn off.
[0059] Embodiment Aspect 2 of the Invention
[0060] Next, making reference to FIG. 10, processing in the remote
control system relating to embodiment aspect 2 is described.
[0061] First, from the electronic equipment 2, with prescribed
timing, electronic equipment 2 state information and a command
fetch request are passed through the firewall 4 via the internal
network 7, to the remote control server 1 via the internet 6
(S1001). The remote control server 1 stores the state information
in a prescribed area in the electronic equipment state database 122
by the controller 11 and the data collection means 13 (S1002).
[0062] Following thereupon, the stored state information is
analyzed (S1003). This analysis is performed from the perspective
of whether or not the state information contains information
indicating a situation where it is urgent that the user be
contacted immediately. An investigation is made to determine, for
example, whether or not the state information transmitted from
security sensors attached to windows or doors contains data that a
human intrusion has been sensed, or whether or not the state
information transmitted from a gas detecting sensor contains data
that a gas leak has been sensed. When, as a result of that
analysis, information has been detected indicating a situation
where the user should be contacted, notification to that effect is
made by electronic mail to the web terminal 5 (S1004). The
electronic mail address is obtained from the user information
stored in memory in the subscriber home database 121.
[0063] Following the command fetch request (S1001), the command
transmission means 14 retrieves command information for that user
from the command database 123 (S1005). Let it be assumed that, in
this example, there was no command information for that user. In
that case, a signal containing information to the effect that there
is no command information is transmitted to the electronic
equipment 2 via the internet 6 (S1006). At this time, because the
signal including that information is a response to the signal
transmitted by step S1001, the firewall 4 can be passed
through.
[0064] Let it be assumed that, after that, the user wished to
operate the electronic equipment 2 in his or her home. First, using
the web terminal 5, the user accesses a homepage on this remote
control system (S1007). The remote control server 1, in response to
that access request, reads out HTML data for the designated
homepage from the memory 12, and transmits those data to the web
terminal 5 via the internet 6 (S1008). The web terminal 5 displays
that homepage on that display by the browser. The user operates the
web terminal 5, and enters and transmits the user ID and password
(S1109). Authentication information relating to that user ID and
password is transmitted to the remote control server 1 via the
internet 6. The remote control server 1 receives that
authentication information, launches an authentication program, and
performs authentication processing (S1010). When it has been
judged, as a result of the authentication process, that the
password is appropriate to the received user ID, monitor page data
are transmitted to the web terminal 5 (S1011). The web terminal 5
receives those monitor page data and displays them on the display.
The display is made as in the screen example shown in FIG. 8. When
the user inputs a command and clicks on the transmission button,
command information is transmitted from the web terminal 5 to the
remote control server 1 (S1012).
[0065] The remote control server 1 receives the command information
and stores it in memory area assigned to that user in the command
database 123 (S1013).
[0066] After that, state information on commands regularly executed
by the electronic equipment 2 and a command fetch request are
transmitted to the remote control server 1 (S1014). At the remote
control server 1, the received state information is stored in the
electronic equipment state database 122 (S1015). Then the state
information is analyzed (S1016). In this case, if the state
information transmitted this time (S1014) is the same as the state
information transmitted the previous time (S1001), the analysis
results will be the same and, therefore, notification will be made
to the user, but setting can be made so that redundant
notifications are not made. Setting can also be made so that,
conversely, the notification will be made even if it is redundant.
It is also possible to modify the processing according to the
degree of necessity of making notification of the analysis results.
More specifically, control can be effected so that notification is
made even when it is a redundant notification in cases where the
necessity of making the notification is extremely high, such as
when a human intrusion from a window has been detected for example,
and so that no redundant notification is made in cases where the
necessity of making notification is not very high, as when the
temperature in a room is slightly high.
[0067] Next, command information retrieval is performed from the
command database 123 (S1017). At this time, in the command database
123, the command information stored in step S1013 is present.
Therefore, that command information is read out and transmitted
from the remote control server 1 to the electronic equipment 2
(S1018). Because this command information transmission is performed
as a response to a command fetch request (S1014), it can pass
through the firewall 4. At the remote control server 1, when
transmission of the command information is finished, data on the
condition (status) of the command in the command database 123 are
rewritten to data indicating "transmitted" (S1019). At the
electronic equipment 2, that command information is received, and
the command is executed (S1020).
[0068] Thus, in the remote control system relating to this
embodiment aspect 2, provision is made particularly so that state
information is analyzed, and notification of the analysis results
is made to the user's terminal, wherefore the user is able to learn
of the occurrence of a problem right away.
[0069] Embodiment Aspect 3 of the Invention
[0070] Next, making reference to FIG. 11, processing in the remote
control system relating to embodiment aspect 3 is described.
[0071] First, from the electronic equipment 2, with predetermined
timing, electronic equipment 2 state information and a command
fetch request are passed through the firewall 4 via the internal
network 7, to the remote control server 1 via the internet 6
(S1101). The remote control server 1 stores the state information
in a prescribed area in the electronic equipment state database 122
by the controller 11 and the data collection means 13 (S1102).
[0072] Following thereupon, the stored state information is
analyzed (S1103). This analysis is the same as that performed in
step S1003 in embodiment aspect 2 of the invention and is not
further described here. When, as a result of that analysis,
information has been detected indicating a situation where the user
should be contacted, notification to that effect is made by
electronic mail to the web terminal 5 (S1104). In this embodiment
aspect 3, together with this notification, the command fetch
request (S1101) to this remote control server 1 is set in a wait
state (S1105). Here, the setting to the wait state is done in cases
where command information in an untransmitted condition
corresponding to the command fetch request (S1101) has not been
stored. When the command has been stored, that command is
transmitted immediately as a response to the command fetch request
(S1101).
[0073] Let it be assumed that, after that, the user wished to
operate the electronic equipment 2 in his or her home. First, using
the web terminal 5, the user accesses a homepage on this remote
control system (S1106). The remote control server 1, in response to
that access request, reads out HTML data for the designated
homepage from the memory 12, and transmits those data to the web
terminal 5 via the internet 6 (S1107). The web terminal 5 displays
that homepage on that display by the browser. The user operates the
web terminal 5, and enters and transmits the user ID and password
(S1108). Authentication information relating to that user ID and
password is transmitted to the remote control server 1 via the
internet 6. The remote control server 1 receives that
authentication information, launches an authentication program, and
performs authentication processing (S1109). When it has been
judged, as a result of the authentication process, that the
password is appropriate to the received user ID, monitor page data
are transmitted to the web terminal 5 (S1110). The web terminal 5
receives those monitor page data and displays them on the display.
The display is made as in the screen example shown in FIG. 8. When
the user inputs a command and clicks on the transmission button,
command information is transmitted from the web terminal 5 to the
remote control server 1 (S1111).
[0074] The remote control server 1 receives the command information
and stores it in memory area assigned to that user in the command
database 123 (S1112).
[0075] Next, command information is read out from the command
database 123 and transmitted, together with the request ID, from
the remote control server 1 to the electronic equipment 2 (S1113).
Here, this request ID is ID information issued by the remote
control server 1 in order to unequivocally distinguish operation
command requests originated by the web terminal 5. The remote
control server 1 always issues different ID information for each
received request. That is, even when they are operation command
requests from the same web terminal 5, in response to requests
generated with different timing, the remote control server 1 issues
different ID information each time those are received. The same is
true of request IDs thereafter. At this time, the signal containing
that information is a response to the command fetch request (S101)
set in the wait state (S1105), wherefore it can pass through the
firewall 4.
[0076] At the remote control server 1, when the transmission of the
command information is finished, the data for the condition
(status) of the command in the command database 123 are rewritten
to data indicating "transmitted" (S1114). At the electronic
equipment 2, that command information and request ID are received
and the command is executed (S1115).
[0077] The electronic equipment 2, when a command is executed,
transmits the results of that command execution and the request ID
received together with the command information to the remote
control server 1 (S1116). The command execution results will differ
according to the type of the command, and will be, for example,
such as information on whether the command was executed or not, or
image information for an image fetch command. The remote control
server 1 receives those command execution results and request ID.
The remote control server 1 then specifies a command information
transmission request corresponding to the request ID, and transmits
the command execution results to the web terminal 5 as the response
thereto (S1117). The web terminal 5 receives the command execution
results and displays them (S1118).
[0078] At this time, furthermore, a time out function may also be
provided in the remote control server 1. This time out function
starts a timer in response to the transmission of a request ID
(S1113), and determines whether or not command execution results
corresponding to that request ID were received from the electronic
equipment 2 within a certain time. In cases where the command
execution results cannot be received within the certain time,
notification to that effect is made to the web terminal 5.
[0079] Thus, in the remote control system relating to this
embodiment aspect 3, since the command fetch request is set in the
wait state, it makes possible to promptly transmit command
information from the user to the electronic equipment. Furthermore,
since the user can promptly receive the execution results at the
electronic equipment, in particular, when it has been determined by
analyzing condition information that there is a problem and
notification of the analysis results has been made to the user's
terminal, the user can promptly send the appropriate command
information and receive the execution results in order to solve the
problem.
[0080] Embodiment Aspect 4 of the Invention
[0081] Next, making reference to FIG. 12, processing in the remote
control system relating to embodiment aspect 4 is described.
[0082] First, from the electronic equipment 2, with predetermined
timing, electronic equipment 2 state information and a command
fetch request are passed through the firewall 4 via the internal
network 7, to the remote control server 1 via the internet 6
(S1201). The remote control server 1 stores the state information
in a prescribed area in the electronic equipment state database 122
by the controller 11 and the data collection means 13 (S1202).
[0083] Following thereupon, the stored state information is
analyzed (S1203). This analysis is the same as that performed in
step S1003 in embodiment aspect 2 of the invention and is not
further described here.
[0084] When, as a result of that analysis, information has been
detected indicating a situation where the user should be contacted,
notification to that effect is made by electronic mail to the web
terminal 5 (S1204). In this embodiment aspect 3, together with this
notification, the command fetch request (S1201) to this remote
control server 1 is set in a wait state (S1205). Here, the setting
to the wait state is done in cases where command information in an
untransmitted condition corresponding to the command fetch request
(S1201) has not been stored. In cases where a command has been
stored, that command is transmitted immediately as a response to
the command fetch request (S1201).
[0085] Let it be assumed that, after that, the user wished to
operate the electronic equipment 2 in his or her home. Using the
web terminal 5, the user adds command information to the electronic
mail that will be the reply to the electronic mail transmitted in
step S1204, and transmits that electronic mail (S1206).
[0086] The remote control server 1 extracts the command information
from that electronic mail and processes it (S1207), and stores it
in memory area assigned to that user in the command database 123 by
the command transmission means 14 (S1208). Then, command
information is read out from the command database 123 and
transmitted, together with the request ID, from the remote control
server 1 to the electronic equipment 2 (S1209). At the remote
control server 1, when the transmission of the command information
is finished, the data for the condition (status) of the command in
the command database 123 are rewritten to data indicating
"transmitted" (S1210). At the electronic equipment 2, that command
information and request ID are received and the command is executed
(S1211).
[0087] The electronic equipment 2, when a command is executed,
transmits the results of that command execution and the request ID
received together with the command information to the remote
control server 1 (S1212). The command execution results will differ
according to the type of the command, and will be, for example,
such as information on whether the command was executed or not, or
image information for an image fetch command. The remote control
server 1 receives those command execution results and request ID.
The remote control server 1 then specifies a command information
transmission request corresponding to the request ID, and transmits
the command execution results to the web terminal 5 as the response
thereto (S1213). The web terminal 5 receives the command execution
results and displays them (S1214).
[0088] At this time, furthermore, a time out function may also be
provided in the remote control server 1. This time out function
starts a timer in response to the transmission of a request ID
(S1212), and determines whether or not command execution results
corresponding to that request ID were received from the electronic
equipment 2 within a certain time. In cases where the command
execution results cannot be received within the certain time,
notification to that effect is made to the web terminal 5.
[0089] Thus, in the remote control system relating to this
embodiment aspect 4, particular provision is made so that command
information from the user in response to the notification of the
analysis results is received by electronic mail, wherefore, for the
user, command information can be transmitted extremely easily.
[0090] Embodiment Aspect 5 of the Invention
[0091] Next, making reference to FIG. 13, processing in the remote
control system relating to embodiment aspect 5 is described.
[0092] First, from the electronic equipment 2, with predetermined
timing, electronic equipment 2 state information is passed through
the firewall 4 via the internal network 7, to the remote control
server 1 via the internet 6 (S1301). The remote control server 1
stores the state information in a prescribed area in the electronic
equipment state database 122 by the controller 11 and the data
collection means 13 (S1302). Then, the remote control server 1
transmits a response to that state information transmission to the
electronic equipment 2 (S1303).
[0093] Also, when a command fetch request has been transmitted from
the electronic equipment 2 (S1304), the remote control server 1
sets that command fetch request in the wait state (S1305). Here,
the setting to the wait state is done in cases where command
information in an untransmitted condition corresponding to the
command fetch request (S1304) has not been stored. In cases where a
command has been stored, that command is transmitted immediately as
a response to the command fetch request (S1304).
[0094] After that, state information on the electronic equipment 2
is transmitted from the electronic equipment 2 with prescribed
timing, so as to pass via the internal network 7 through the
firewall 4, and then via the internet 6 to the remote control
server 1 (S1306). The remote control server 1 stores the state
information in prescribed area in the electronic equipment state
database 122 by the controller 11 and the data collection means 13
(S1307). Then the remote control server 1 transmits a response to
that state information transmission (S1306) to the electronic
equipment 2 (S1308).
[0095] Let it be assumed that, after that, the user wished to
operate the electronic equipment 2 in his or her home. First, using
the web terminal 5, the user accesses a homepage on this remote
control system (S1309). The remote control server 1, in response to
that access request, reads out HTML data for the designated
homepage from the memory 12, and transmits those data to the web
terminal 5 via the internet 6 (S1310). The web terminal 5 displays
that homepage on that display by the browser. The user operates the
web terminal 5, and enters and transmits the user ID and password
(S1311). Authentication information relating to that user ID and
password is transmitted to the remote control server 1 via the
internet 6. The remote control server 1 receives that
authentication information, launches an authentication program, and
performs authentication processing (S1312). When it has been
judged, as a result of the authentication process, that the
password is appropriate to the received user ID, monitor page data
are transmitted to the web terminal 5 (S1313). The web terminal 5
receives those monitor page data and displays them on the display.
The display is made as in the screen example shown in FIG. 8. When
the user inputs a command and clicks on the transmission button,
command information is transmitted from the web terminal 5 to the
remote control server 1 (S1314).
[0096] The remote control server 1 receives the command
information, stores it, together with the request ID, in memory
area assigned to that user in the command database 123 (S1315), and
transmits it as a response to the command fetch request (S1304)
that was set to the wait state (S1305) to the electronic equipment
2 (S1316). At that time, the signal containing that information is
a response to the command fetch request (S1304), and therefore can
pass through the firewall 4.
[0097] At the remote control server 1, when the transmission of the
command information is finished, the data for the condition
(status) of the command in the command database 123 are rewritten
to data indicating "transmitted" (S1317). At the electronic
equipment 2, that command information and request ID are received
and the command is executed (S1318).
[0098] The electronic equipment 2, when a command is executed,
transmits the results of that command execution and the request ID
received together with the command information to the remote
control server 1 (S1319). The command execution results will differ
according to the type of the command, and will be, for example,
such as information on whether the command was executed or not, or
image information for an image fetch command. The remote control
server 1 receives those command execution results and request ID.
The remote control server 1 then specifies a command information
transmission request corresponding to the request ID, and transmits
the command execution results to the web terminal 5 as the response
thereto (S1320). The web terminal 5 receives the command execution
results and displays them (S1321).
[0099] At this time, furthermore, a time out function may also be
provided in the remote control server 1. This time out function
starts a timer in response to the transmission of a request ID
(S1316), and determines whether or not command execution results
corresponding to that request ID where received within a certain
time. In cases where the command execution results cannot be
received within the certain time, notification to that effect is
made to the web terminal 5.
[0100] Thus, in the remote control system relating to this
embodiment aspect 5, in particular, since the response to the
command fetch request is set in the wait state, it makes possible
to promptly transmit command information from the user to the
electronic equipment, and, furthermore, the user can promptly
receive the execution results at the electronic equipment.
[0101] Embodiment Aspect 6 of the Invention
[0102] Next, making reference to FIG. 14, processing in the remote
control system relating to embodiment aspect 6 is described.
[0103] First, a command fetch request is transmitted from the
electronic equipment 2 (S1401), and the remote control server 1
sets that command fetch request to the wait state (S1402). Here,
the setting to the wait state is done in cases where command
information in an untransmitted condition corresponding to the
command fetch request (S1401) has not been stored. In cases where a
command has been stored, that command is transmitted immediately as
a response to the command fetch request (S1401).
[0104] After that, state information on the electronic equipment 2
is transmitted from the electronic equipment 2 with predetermined
timing to the remote control server 1 (S1403). The remote control
server 1 stores the state information in prescribed area in the
electronic equipment state database 122 by the controller 11 and
the data collection means 13 (S1404). Then the remote control
server 1 transmits a response to that state information
transmission to the electronic equipment 2 (S1405).
[0105] Next, the remote control server 1 analyzes the state
information stored in the electronic equipment state database 122
(S1406). This analysis is the same as that executed in step S1003
in embodiment aspect 2 of the invention, and so is not further
described here. When, as a result of the analysis, information has
been detected which indicates a situation concerning which the user
should be contacted, notification to that effect is made by
electronic mail to the web terminal 5 (S1407).
[0106] Let it be assumed that, after that, the user wished to
operate the electronic equipment 2 in his or her home. First, using
the web terminal 5, the user accesses a homepage on this remote
control system (S1408). The remote control server 1, in response to
that access request, reads out HTML data for the designated
homepage from the memory 12, and transmits those data to the web
terminal 5 via the internet 6 (S1409). The web terminal 5 displays
that homepage on that display by the browser. The user operates the
web terminal 5, and enters and transmits the user ID and password
(S1410). Authentication information relating to that user ID and
password is transmitted to the remote control server 1 via the
internet 6. The remote control server 1 receives that
authentication information, launches an authentication program, and
performs authentication processing (S1411). When it has been
judged, as a result of the authentication process, that the
password is appropriate to the received user ID, monitor page data
are transmitted to the web terminal 5 (S1412). The web terminal 5
receives those monitor page data and displays them on the display.
The display is made as in the screen example shown in FIG. 8. When
the user inputs a command and clicks on the transmission button,
command information is transmitted from the web terminal 5 to the
remote control server 1 (S1413).
[0107] The remote control server 1 receives the command
information, stores it, together with the request ID, in memory
area assigned to that user in the command database 123 (S1414), and
transmits it as a response to the command fetch request (S1401)
that was set to the wait state (step S1402) to the electronic
equipment 2 (S1415). At that time, the signal containing that
information is a response to the command fetch request (S1401), and
therefore can pass through the firewall 4.
[0108] At the remote control server 1, when the transmission of the
command information is finished, the data for the condition
(status) of the command in the command database 123 are rewritten
to data indicating "transmitted" (S1416). At the electronic
equipment 2, that command information and request ID are received
and the command is executed (S1417).
[0109] The electronic equipment 2, when a command is executed,
transmits the results of that command execution and the request ID
received together with the command information to the remote
control server 1 (S1418). The command execution results will differ
according to the type of the command, and will be, for example,
such as information on whether the command was executed or not, or
image information for an image fetch command. The remote control
server 1 receives those command execution results and request ID.
The remote control server 1 then specifies a command information
transmission request corresponding to the request ID, and transmits
the command execution results to the web terminal 5 as the response
thereto (S1419). The web terminal 5 receives the command execution
results and displays them (S1420).
[0110] At this time, furthermore, a time out function may also be
provided in the remote control server 1. This time out function
starts a timer in response to the transmission of a request ID
(S1415), and determines whether or not command execution results
corresponding to that request ID were received from the electronic
equipment 2 within a certain time. In cases where the command
execution results cannot be received within the certain time,
notification to that effect is made to the web terminal 5.
[0111] Thus, in the remote control system relating to this
embodiment aspect 6, the response to the command fetch request is
set in the wait state, thus making it possible to promptly transmit
command information from the user to the electronic equipment, and,
furthermore, the user can promptly receive the execution results at
the electronic equipment. Provision is made also so that the state
information is analyzed, and notification of the analysis results
is made to the user's terminal, wherefore the user can learn right
away of the occurrence of a problem.
[0112] Embodiment Aspect 7 of the Invention
[0113] Next, making reference to FIG. 15, processing in the remote
control system relating to embodiment aspect 7 is described.
[0114] First, a command fetch request is transmitted from the
electronic equipment 2 (S1501), and the remote control server 1
sets that command fetch request to the wait state (S1502). Here,
the setting to the wait state is done in cases where command
information in an untransmitted condition corresponding to the
command fetch request (S1501) has not been stored. In cases where a
command has been stored, that command is transmitted immediately as
a response to the command fetch request (S1501).
[0115] After that, state information on the electronic equipment 2
is transmitted from the electronic equipment 2 with prescribed
timing to the remote control server 1 (S1503). The remote control
server 1 stores the state information in prescribed area in the
electronic equipment state database 122 by the controller 11 and
the data collection means 13 (S1504). Then the remote control
server 1 transmits a response to that state information
transmission to the electronic equipment 2 (S1505).
[0116] Next, the remote control server 1 analyzes the state
information stored in the electronic equipment state database 122
(S1506). This analysis is the same as that executed in step S1003
in embodiment aspect 2 of the invention, and so is not further
described here. When, as a result of the analysis, information has
been detected which indicates a situation concerning which the user
should be contacted, notification to that effect is made by
electronic mail to the web terminal 5 (S1507).
[0117] Let it be assumed that, after that, the user wished to
operate the electronic equipment 2 in his or her home. Using the
web terminal 5, the user adds command information to the electronic
mail that will be the reply to the electronic mail transmitted in
step S1507, and transmits that electronic mail (S1508).
[0118] The remote control server 1 extracts and processes command
information from that electronic mail (S1509), stores it in memory
area assigned to that user in the command database 123 (S1510), and
transmits it as a response to the command fetch request (S1501)
that was set to the wait state (S1502), together with the request
ID, to the electronic equipment 2 (S1511). At that time, the signal
containing that information is a response to the command fetch
request (S1501), and therefore can pass through the firewall 4.
[0119] At the remote control server 1, when the transmission of the
command information is finished, the data for the condition
(status) of the command in the command database 123 are rewritten
to data indicating "transmitted" (S1512). At the electronic
equipment 2, that command information and request ID are received
and the command is executed (S1513).
[0120] The electronic equipment 2, when a command is executed,
transmits the results of that command execution and the request ID
received together with the command information to the remote
control server 1 (S1514). The command execution results will differ
according to the type of the command, and will be, for example,
such as information on whether the command was executed or not, or
image information for an image fetch command. The remote control
server 1 receives those command execution results and request ID.
The remote control server 1 then specifies a command information
transmission request corresponding to the request ID, and transmits
the command execution results to the web terminal 5 as the response
thereto (S1515). The web terminal 5 receives the command execution
results and displays them (S1516).
[0121] At this time, furthermore, a time out function may also be
provided in the remote control server 1. This time out function
starts a timer in response to the transmission of a request ID
(S1511), and determines whether or not command execution results
corresponding to that request ID were received from the electronic
equipment 2 within a certain time. In cases where the command
execution results cannot be received within the certain time,
notification to that effect is made to the web terminal 5.
[0122] Thus, in the remote control system relating to this
embodiment aspect 7, the response to the command fetch request is
set in the wait state, thus making it possible to promptly transmit
command information from the user to the electronic equipment.
Provision is made also so that the state information is analyzed,
and the analysis results are notified to the user's terminal,
wherefore the user can learn right away of the occurrence of a
problem. Particular provision is made so that command information
from the user in response to the notification of the analysis
results is received by electronic mail, wherefore, for the user,
command information can be transmitted extremely easily.
[0123] Other Embodiment Aspects
[0124] In the remote control systems relating to embodiment aspects
5, 6, and 7 of the invention, described in the foregoing, a wait
state is set for the command fetch request. However, in cases
where, for example, the firewall 4 is timer-controlled, and a
response to a request does not come back after a certain time t has
elapsed, there will be cases where setting is made so that the
passage of that response is restricted. In such cases, command
information transmitted from the web terminal 5 cannot be
transmitted immediately to the electronic equipment 2. Thereupon,
if provision is made so that timer control information for the
firewall 4 is input to that electronic equipment 2, and so that the
time interval for the command fetch request from the electronic
equipment 2 becomes equal to or less than that certain time t, this
problem can be resolved. Alternatively, the problem may be resolved
by having the remote control server 1 obtain the timer control
information of the firewall 4, and direct the electronic equipment
2 to transmit command fetch requests at an interval equal to or
less than that certain time t.
[0125] Provision may be made so that state information from the
electronic equipment 2 is transmitted with a certain periodicity to
the remote control server 1, but provision may also be made so
that, after a command information transmission from the web
terminal 5 has been received, when the next request data are
transmitted to the remote control server 1, the latest data are
appended to those request data. Provision may also be made so that
command information is transmitted as history data after adding
thereto the address of the individual who transmitted it.
[0126] Various protocols can be employed as the communication
protocol between the remote control server 1 and the electronic
equipment 2, such as HTTP, mail, and FTP.
[0127] In the remote control system relating to the present
invention, moreover, provision may be made so that the party
operating the system invoices each user for a fee, either on a
monthly basis or according to information volume, such as the
number of commands or number of packets, and each user pays that
fee by a settlement method previously registered.
[0128] Provision may also be made so that the operator of such
remote control system implements additional services, besides those
described in the foregoing, such as services allowing inquiries to
be made when a problem in the system, such as with the firewall,
has occurred, or accepting proposals or implementing cause analysis
or the like.
[0129] Provision may be made, furthermore, so that the remote
control server 1 obtains such information as electricity, gas, and
water volumes from the electronic equipment 2, as state
information, and, based on that information so obtained, compares
past utilization volume data, prepares improvement plans, and makes
notification thereof to the user to the web terminal 5 or the like.
In particular, by making comparisons with past utilization volume
data, it is possible to learn of trends indicating whether too much
of such utilities is being used or the like.
[0130] In the examples described in the foregoing, moreover, it is
possible to store the various types of programs installed in the
computer hard disk or memory configuring the remote control server
in a memory medium, and it is also possible that such be
transmitted via communication means. Here, such memory media
include, for example, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic disks,
optical-magnetic disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, ROM cartridges, RAM memory
cartridges equipped with battery backup, flush memory cartridges,
and non-volatile RAM cartridges. The communication means includes
means such as hard-line communication means such as telephone lines
or the like, and radio communication means such as microwave links
or the like, and also include the internet.
[0131] Based on the present invention, a remote control system can
be provided wherewith it is possible to easily effect the remote
control of electronic equipment connected through a firewall to the
internet.
[0132] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described using specific terms, such description is for
illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes
and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the following claims.
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